Dear Lululemon Athletica Oak Brook, Illinois/I Run Because _____5K

My wife and I and about 8 other people in our running club had the opportunity to run the I Run Because ____ 5K. If you never heard of it is a small race, 350 participants. This race is hosted, and of course sponsored by Lululemon.  We all had high hopes that this would be a great race, especially since it was free. I guess I should say free for some. This race had no entrance fee, and today that is really tough to come by, especially since most of us know that running is the most expensive free sport out there.

Before I go any further, I would like to take the time to thank all of the volunteers who helped organize the actual race, and who showed up to cheer on the runners.  I understand that one person does not represent all of you.

To elaborate on the free aspect of this race, because it was really only free to some people. The entrance was free, but for my wife it wasn't.  She received an emotional stabbing at packet pickup at the Oak Brook location.  Let me explain.  When we arrived to pick up the packets, we had to wait since they were a few minutes behind schedule.  We thought that's fine it a free race we are getting what we paid for.  We decided to casually mill around and look at the merchandise they had to offer.  It was at this time that my wife was given unsolicited advice on product.  A sales clerk came up to her and saw what she was looking at and was told that the product she needed was "product X for big gir
ls".  I was not with her when this happened.  I was in the men's area having a conversation with a nice female sales clerk who was soliciting feedback from me on product. When my wife told me about what had just happened.  So I wanted to see the girl who said it to her.  My wife pointed out the girl who gave her the unsolicited advice. At this point I could have said something, but I know that it would have not been productive.  I had one look and said lets leave, of course without buying anything. Which is the best way to make a point. We had our numbers for the race so we left.
Since then in talking to others we have been directed to many articles about Lululemon's marketing practices.  Problem is we really have no beef with who a company decides to market to.  If that is how they make money and that business model works for them, then more power to them.  We believe that if your target customer is a size 00 through size whatever is your business.  You are a private business and you can focus on your demographic. We feel it is Lululemon's practice of making non or potential customers know and feel who their current market is, and that it is not people like my wife, and that is what disgusted us.
What that sales clerk did not stop and think about was that this beautiful person who she thought was "bigger" has a husband, and her husband will stand by his wife. Her husband has a running club, and belongs to many other groups in the Chicago area. Word of mouth.
I believe if Lululemon wanted to grow their business, they would grow their base through customer service. If you treat a person who may not be your customer well, one day they may be in your demographic or better yet your customer. That is good customer service, and good moral value. You know what they say about people remembering good customer service and bad service?  If  you give someone exceptional customer service they may tell someone.  You give someone bad customer service they will let the world know 5 times over.
The unfortunate part is that I am a target customer for Lululemon, and guess what.  I will never wear a Lululemon product because what I feel it stands for. They did not directly say or offend me, but their employee offended my wife.  I feel that if you have any self esteem issues, don't walk through Lululemon's door. It's as if some of the employees despise people unlike them. That is how I feel. This one girl in particular did a real nice job alienating any future potential customers they might have in us. Her pretentious attitude sealed the deal. That is too bad because there was a really nice girl that was helping me, she was very nice.  She even inquired how I thought they could make their product better. This goes back to the "good service and bad service". I received good service, my wife bad service.  I stand by my wife, and know begins the telling the whole world about bad service.
After searching "Lululemon Customer Service" on Google we realize we are not the only ones who feel like that.  I know that we will not put them out of business, I just feel that I hope they do something about harming other peoples feeling in hiring better people. With that said I am very grateful for the many choices of athletic wear I have to choose from. I am getting off my soap box.  That is all.